In order to make sure that the "state's very best speakers" participate in the state tournament, the OSAA has created an alternative qualifying process. This means that talented speakers who have previously met Alt. Qual. criteria can go to state to compete even if they don't win during districts. Each school may register no more than two Alt. Qual. competitors. (Duo or team events are considered to be only one entry.)
If you know you have an Alt. Qual., you can also notify your district judge in advance to let other competitors be given the win at district. This lets more people participate at the state level and is viewed as an act of good sportsmanship.
There are strict criteria that must be met in order to Alt. Qual. They are based on previous senior or open "wins", number of schools registered at tournament, and how many people competed in your event when you won. Small competitions, or small fields of competitors (less than 15 people in an event) don't met Alt. Qual. criteria. Coaches must bring proof of Alt. Qual. for their students to furnish upon request. Coaches/students, can access this information on tabroom. (Number of school registered at a competition, number of competitors per event, "win" information.)
There are slightly different rules for speech vs. debate events.
1. You have to compete at district in your event
2. Speech: the student or duo team must place third or higher in their event at two or more eligible tournaments. Debate: participate in the semi-final round at two or more eligible tournaments.
3. If it's a team event, both team members had to be competing together at the qualifying tournament.
4. The tournament AND event you won at has to meet OSAA qualification. There are two ways that the tournament and event can both meet OSAA qualifications:
5. If a student is competing at state with their Alt. Qual., their coach has to bring proof that they meet the criteria above to furnish upon request to the district director. As a student, you should help make sure your coach has that info!
Pages 9 and 10 of the OSAA handbook has all the details about how Alternative Qualification works and how your coach registers you if you meet the criteria.